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How To Enjoy Your Vacation Without Worrying About Water Damage

Vacation is your time to simply relax and have fun. If you're worrying about potential water damage, that defeats the purpose of the trip. Being away while your home is subjected to heavy rain, flooding, or other potential pipe-busters can be incredibly stressful. Here’s how you can wash away your fears about water damage when you're sipping daiquiris on the beach.

Shut Off the Water

If there’s just one thing you should do before leaving to prevent water damage, it’s shutting off the main water valve. No matter where yours is located, it will always be next to your water meter with another valve on the opposite side. To make sure you've shut if off correctly, test it by running a faucet first, then shutting off the valve.

Check Individual Water Supply Valves and Lines

You should shut off individual appliances' supply lines if you need the main water valve to remain on, such as for a sprinkler system or house-sitter. Most valves will be on the supply lines right behind or beneath the appliance itself, while a refrigerator’s ice maker is typically under the sink or in the basement.

Outdoor faucets count, too. Ice forms inside of them at 28 degrees or below, increasing the risk of needing water pipe repair. Remove any attached hoses and drain any remaining water. If you don’t have indoor shutoff valves, consider installing a frost-free faucet or a removable faucet insulation kit.

Check Anything Else That Could Leak

Once you've taken care of your valves, inspect the following to make sure they're working properly.

All sink pipes

Sump pumps: Make sure you can hear the motor, then pour in water to make sure it’s working

Window seals

Gutters: They need to be clean, and water should drain at least 10 feet away from your house

Appliance hoses

Toilet tanks

Nobody wants to worry about water pipe repair while they’re on vacation. Following these steps can prevent many leaks. Not all disasters can be prevented, however. If bad luck strikes, water damage professionals in St. George, UT, can provide fast, 24/7 emergency restoration service.

Moisture, Mold, and Your Business

In the business world, time is money, as the saying goes, and you should spend your time growing your business in St. George, UT, not repairing water damage or removing mold from your property. Protect your business with mold prevention.

What Causes Mold?

The short answer is simply water. Did you know mold exists nearly everywhere water exists? Mold is a natural occurrence, and any type of moisture can lead to mold growth in a short period of time. Water damage is worrisome because it can unbalance natural mold levels. Your commercial building could experience water damage from various sources:

• Natural disasters• Heavy rainfall• Broken pipes• Leaky plumbing

Untreated leaks, humidity, and moisture may lead to mold, which will continue to spread until the source of the moisture is repaired.

How Can I Stop Mold Growth?

You found a loose joint under the sink in your break area, and now the mold is spreading. Your local mold remediation professionals can help if you find a mold problem such as this one at your business. First, they will contain the problem area so the mold does not spread to other parts of your property. Then, they will work to return mold levels to normal. Before you know it, you’re back to business as usual.

How Can I Prevent Mold?

No one wants to experience a mold issue, so focusing on mold prevention instead of remediation is most beneficial. Here are steps you can take to prevent mold growth at your business:

• Regularly inspect naturally humid areas, such as basements, for mold.• Frequently check for leaks, especially around plumbing and in the roof.• Quickly repair any leaks or reduce moisture in humid areas by using a dehumidifier.• Effectively reduce humidity by running the air conditioner and exhaust fans.

Being a business owner is a difficult and busy job. Don’t let mold put a damper on your company’s success by costing you valuable time and resources. Focus on mold prevention, inspect your property for moisture, and repair leaks quickly. If you find yourself with a mold problem, a mold remediation specialist in St. George, UT, can restore the mold to its natural levels.

5 Guidelines for Avoiding Cigarette Fires at Home

Smoking poses a threat to your home in St. George, UT, when you have improper habits. Following these five guidelines will protect you from any potential cigarette fire.

1. Use an Appropriate Container.

An ashtray with a wide base or bucket full of sand should be around in areas where you typically smoke. When using an ashtray, it should be stable on a surface to prevent accidental knockdowns. Keeping it stable prevents it from spilling and starting an ashtray fire from a still smoldering cigarette.

If possible, the container should also be kept away from any building to add distance between the flame remnant and all flammable structures.

2. Completely Put Out Cigarettes.

When you are finished smoking, it’s advised to add water to the ashes and cigarette butt to completely remove the fire and its risks. If you ever have to step away or need to stop smoking, you should put out your cigarette to avoid leaving a lit one unattended.

3. Smoke Only When Fully Awake.

If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy or are sleep deprived, it is best to avoid smoking. If you pass out while smoking, you will likely drop your cigarette. Since you are asleep, you will also have a harder time escaping or stopping any growing cigarette fire. Smoking while sleepy puts your home at risk.

4. Only Smoke Outside Your Home.

There is a sizable difference in the number of flammable objects when comparing a typical indoor and outdoor environment. Your furniture, curtains, trash bin, mattress and bedding can all be ignited by a loose cigarette. It is much safer to smoke outside and remain there until you are finished.

5. Avoid Smoking Around Oxygen Tanks.

Oxygen is very sensitive to fire. Lit cigarettes should be kept away from anyone using medical oxygen or places where it’s stored.

Required Cleaning After a Flood

Though proper preparation goes a long way, you can’t predict what damage will occur to your home in St. George, UT, during a flood. After the storm, you’ll want to ensure your home is safe and habitable by doing a flood clean up. The EPA, FEMA, and CDC flood guidelines agree on these three primary cleaning requirements:

1. Dry Out.

Floodwater can cause warping of wood and disintegration of walls, but the unknown contaminants in the water are the more sinister hazard. Assume all floodwater is unclean and should not be left to sit in your home. After standing water has been eliminated, open all doors and windows to encourage air flow with drier air outside. Mildew growth can also be mitigated by lowering the humidity in the home. Fans and dehumidifiers are often the best way to speed up drying. If the damage is too extensive, don’t hesitate to contact restoration professionals to remove all traces of water.

2. Throw Out.

All of the sources of official cleaning requirements include discarding porous materials. It’s better not to take chances with contaminated objects. Anything that retains water - mattresses, bedding, rugs, stuffed animals, wooden items (particularly toys and kitchen utensils) - needs to be let go. Sentimental or expensive objects may be worth the cost of professional cleaning, but do not underestimate the health hazards of floodwater contamination.

3. Clean Up.

After the flood, clean everything you did not discard. Use flood disinfectant on hard surfaces and any salvageable objects. Most wooden furniture can be saved with household cleaning products, but upholstery and carpeting should be professionally cleaned. Recommended products to kill contaminators include bleach and commercial sanitizers. Do not forgo this step; just because something looks clean doesn’t mean that it is.

Though it may seem like a daunting task, you can use this short list of cleaning requirements to restore your home to a livable condition. Take things step by step and room by room. The faster you act, the more likely you’ll be able to save your belongings and reverse the damage to walls and floors.

Protecting Your Property Against Wind Damage

Even in the best circumstances, storms are unpredictable. Strong gales and punishing rains can wreak all sorts of havoc, from a small roof leak to broken power lines. Making sure to protect your property from these possible hazards can seem overwhelming, but all it takes is a little preparation and knowing where to look.

Follow the Weather.

It may sound like common sense, but one of the best ways to safeguard yourself against destructive winds is to know what the weather is going to be. If you’re new to St. George, UT, ask your co-workers and neighbors when the stormy season is. Otherwise, keep your eye on local forecasts to be sure the elements aren’t a surprise. Even a brief windstorm can lead to missing shingles, which, when accompanied by rain, can lead to thousands of dollars' worth of damage.

Prepare Your Property.

Before any storm hits, take a walk through your property and keep your eyes open. Your goal is to remove or replace anything that may lead to broken windows or a damaged roof. Possible threats can come from anything that’s not secured to the ground:

Tarps and plywood can cover windows and repel the rain. Just in case those steps fail to ward off a roof leak or water damage, make sure to find and save the phone number to your local restoration professionals.

Check Nearby Trees.

Uprooted trees and large branches can be destructive during periods of severe weather. Inspect any nearby trees for visible cracks, as well as signs of decay like a hollowed trunk or mushrooms growing out of the bark. If there are any tree limbs hanging over power lines, call your utility company and make them aware. They can send professionals to trim or remove any branches.

Storm winds can be frightening. From a roof leak to flying debris, Mother Nature’s impact can be without limit. However, by taking preparation seriously, you can prevent, if not eliminate, the potential damage.

Water Damage Claims Have Never Been Easier

One of the most common types of property damage claims in St. George, UT, is for flood and water damage. If you are prepared, an insurance claim is much easier to make.

Prepare Beforehand.

Here are a few simple steps you can take before any disaster hits:

• Make a home inventory of anything you might need to make a claim on. • Keep your insurance and other important documents in an area safe from fire and water damage • Be aware of what is and isn’t covered by your policy

Follow These Steps in Event of Water Damage

First of all, stay safe! Nothing is worth your life or the lives of your loved ones. If you can, turn off the water supply, identify any pipe burst, and move documents and valuables to a safe and dry place. Consider making emergency repairs to mitigate further damage.

Document Everything.

Take photos or videos of the affected areas and items and save any broken or damaged property, especially if they were responsible for the water damage. The more evidence you have, the easier and quicker your claim will be. Try not to discard any damaged items or property until the insurance adjuster has visited and you have evidence of the loss.

Make the Insurance Claim.

Notify your insurance company of your loss as soon as possible. This is a good time to ask questions such as what is covered, how long you have to make a claim, and what your deductible is. If the deductible exceeds your loss, you probably don’t want to make a claim.

You should receive claim forms promptly. Fill them out as soon as you can. You should then be visited by the adjuster.

List everything that was damaged and give your adjuster copies. Also share copies of receipts for damage and relocation costs. Most residential insurance policies will cover temporary relocation expenses, but only if you have appropriate proof.

Once your insurance claim has been processed, you should receive your benefits promptly. In the meantime, you can find restoration experts who will help return your home to its former condition.

Prevent a Pipe Breaking From Making Your Business Broke

Bursting pipes need urgent attention. With the panic of the water pouring everywhere, it can be difficult to work out what to do at your business in St. George, UT. Being informed of the proper procedure before any damaged pipe creates a chaotic moment will help contain the situation.

Halt the Running Water.

Any property with running water comes equipped with a stop tap on the water main. The building’s water main can be turned off with the turning of a lever or valve. You and your employees should be made familiar with the procedure for removing remaining water from the pipes:

1. Know where the stop tap is located and how to turn it off2. After turning off the water main, turn every faucet on with cold water and flush every toilet.3. After turning off the hot water heater, run every faucet with hot water to drain that out too.4. Without any water in the system, the leaking should stop.

Figure Out Which Pipe is Busted.

Once everything is drained, all bursting pipes can be identified. The damage is major if it’s a main pipe that manages large quantities of water and connects to other pipes. If it’s a single pipe connected to one water using utility, repair can be attempted using any product designed to fix broken pipe.

If you patch it up with a product, it’s advised to occasionally evaluate the repair job because the pipe is still broken but patched up. Without professional repair or replacement, it is at risk of bursting again.

Reach Out to Professionals.

The remaining water from the broken pipe needs to be removed to prevent mold or damage to your property. The water can become contaminated if left alone for too long. Water damage St. George can be remedied with the help of an expert commercial cleanup company.

Bursting pipes do not have to mean bursting headaches or cutting bursting profits. You can save your own commercial property from excessive damage with an informed plan ready.

Does your dryer vent need cleaning?

When was the last time that you had your dryer vent cleaned?

Have you ever had it cleaned? Did you know that overheated or clogged dryers cause 17% of all home fires in the US?

The problem with lint buildup in a dryer vent is that it can cause spontaneous combustion. The dryer vent can become so hot during use that the lint dries out to the point of starting on fire. A dryer fire can cause a lot of smoke and structural damage to your home.

The amount of money saved by having routine cleanings versus a fire damaged home is far less. Not only will you not have to worry about a potential fire, your insurance company will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Call SERVPRO of St George today for a free, no obligation estimate, and eliminate the potential for a fire at your home. 435-656-9061

Professional Services in St. George

Why should you hire a professional?

Having the ability to hire a professional is a key aspect a customer needs to know once water damage has affected your home. It is necessary to hire a professional, so the place of living is taken care of with the highest quality service. We will cover four reasons why a professional needs to be hired and SERVPRO is your company to call.

These four reasons are as follows and include four key components.

The first component about what the customer needs to know, regarding the professional, is to know where to look.

The second reason is a professional knows what they are looking for.

The third is having the correct equipment to get the job done.

However, last but not least is having the ability to fix a situation.

SERVPRO of St. George is a company that will be able to provide you with these four key components and would be more than happy to fix the damage that has occurred in your living space. You can contact SERVPRO St. George by phone at 435-656-9061. You can also visit the company website at www.SERVPROstgeorge.com

Mold Remediation in St George, Utah

There are many different things that someone can do if they happen to unexpectedly find mold in their home.

Unfortunately, it could be a sign of a much bigger problem than what they see at that present point in time, especially if they have found just one area that has the form of microbial growth in it. What many do not necessarily realize is that if microbial growth is found in one area within a home's premises, it's very likely that there are more elsewhere. A mold cleanup specialist of St George in the state of Utah will be able to arrive at your home upon making an appointment during the time that works well for you. They can also be referred to as an environmental hygienist as the work that they specialize in consists of them sanitizing the environment in which you live in. Should you experience any instances of smelly odor within any of your living areas, it is highly recommended for you to contact an environmental hygienist who specializes in removal.

When fungus shows on the surface of a home, it's very likely that it's been caused by some moisture. The mold tends to grow rapidly if it is not tended to immediately after finding its existence on the surface of which it covers. The smelly odor that is caused by the bacteria will require removal by improving the air quality within the home. Mold cleanup specialists are well-versed in the expertise of cleaning the air through their methods of bacteria removal, but it is necessary to contact them so that you can receive guidance on what you can do prior to them arriving at your property during the designated appointment time so that you may be able to potentially put a stop to any of the growth that it may continue to do.

If you are wanting to seek optimal levels of treatment for improving the conditions of your home, then know that a specialist of St George in Utah will provide you with great services for achieving just that; a company that has been rated quite well by the community that it has been serving. The treatment that they provide has effects of improving the lives of families. Why not give their services a chance when you find microbial growth lingering around your home, or even newly developing as you can put a stop to its existence. The choices that you make in home maintenance will not only have an effect on the overall quality and value of your home property.